Parts of Maryland under “Fire Weather Watch”

According to the National Weather Service, parts of Maryland are under, and will remain under, a fire weather watch through at least Monday morning, November 21.

With wind gusts reaching 35 to 40 mph, dry conditions and low humidity levels (25-25%), ideal conditions exist for rapidly spreading fires, such as those started by downed wires. Central Maryland has been classified by the U.S. Drought Monitor as “abnormally dry,” with Howard, Frederick, Carroll and Montgomery at the elevated “moderate drought” level. The current moisture content for potential fuel sources, such as leaves and dry crop fields, is between 5 and 8%.

There has been at least one known farm fire due to winds and electrical wires, in Howard County Saturday evening, November 19.